Introducing Story Locker’s wedding podcast
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5 minutes with Kent bridal boutique and designer, Brides by Zoë
If you're looking for a boho festival-style gown to reflect your personality and theme, Brides by Zoë is the ideal place to start. Owner Zoë Dowle has selected a wonderful collection from innovative fashion forward designers, such as Watters and Wendy Makin, which she offers alongside her own collection.
We caught up with Zoë to find out more, and to get her top tips for the year ahead.
Tell us a bit about yourself Zoë...
My passion is bridalwear. Throughout my school days my strength was needlework, art and design, so the natural next step was for me to advance my knowledge, which I was fortunate to do at The London College of Fashion. I spent three fantastic years learning about design – how to prepare and make a commercial pattern, through to making finished designs for end of year catwalks.
After leaving The London College of Fashion, I chose to work for myself, creating bespoke gowns for bridalwear and evening wear. I no longer offer the bespoke service, instead, I now proudly stock the whimsical, bohemian collection by Wendy Makin, and Willowby by Watters. Recently, I started my own private label, which is available off-the-peg. I'm finding that sleeves, in many different styles, are hugely popular at the moment, but are proving difficult to find. This is why I felt inspired to start designing again, offering fashion forward dresses, with or without sleeves.
My passion is bridalwear. Throughout my school days my strength was needlework, art and design, so the natural next step was for me to advance my knowledge, which I was fortunate to do at The London College of Fashion. I spent three fantastic years learning about design – how to prepare and make a commercial pattern, through to making finished designs for end of year catwalks.
After leaving The London College of Fashion, I chose to work for myself, creating bespoke gowns for bridalwear and evening wear. I no longer offer the bespoke service, instead, I now proudly stock the whimsical, bohemian collection by Wendy Makin, and Willowby by Watters. Recently, I started my own private label, which is available off-the-peg. I'm finding that sleeves, in many different styles, are hugely popular at the moment, but are proving difficult to find. This is why I felt inspired to start designing again, offering fashion forward dresses, with or without sleeves.
What are your top tips for brides searching for their dream dress?
I'm finding that brides are feeling under pressure to visit numerous bridal boutiques, trying on too many dresses, being left with feelings of being overwhelmed. There also seems to be a trend to want to bring large groups of friends and family when trying on dresses, which results in too many opinions. I advise to do some research, and find out which boutiques stock your style of dress, make appointments with two or three, and take just a couple of guests with you. The chances are you'll find your dream dress more easily, be less stressed and enjoy the whole experience. Finally, be prepared that the dress you fall in love with may completely different to your original ideas.
I'm finding that brides are feeling under pressure to visit numerous bridal boutiques, trying on too many dresses, being left with feelings of being overwhelmed. There also seems to be a trend to want to bring large groups of friends and family when trying on dresses, which results in too many opinions. I advise to do some research, and find out which boutiques stock your style of dress, make appointments with two or three, and take just a couple of guests with you. The chances are you'll find your dream dress more easily, be less stressed and enjoy the whole experience. Finally, be prepared that the dress you fall in love with may completely different to your original ideas.
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| Credit: Willowby Brides - Marcail |
What are your top trends for 2020?
The buzz words at the moment is very much bohemian, which focuses on lovely new laces designs – dresses that aren't too overwhelming, and suit the brides requirements and personality. And as mentioned above SLEEVES! We've moved away from the traditional full length sleeve covered with lace and sparkle. Now we have bell sleeves, flutter sleeves, sleeves with cuffs. I started my bohemian-style collection a while ago now, so there's plenty to chose from.
Find out more at www.weddingdresskent.co.uk, and check out more of the gorgeous Willowby collection available at Brides by Zoë, below.
